Static billed as Pittsburgh's first European electronic dance club

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In its heyday, Rosebud in the Strip District hosted artists including Warren Zevon, Guided By Voices, Shelby Lynne, Todd Rundgren and Stanley Clarke.

Rosebud shut its doors in 2004. Since then, the site has mostly remained dormant, with a few clubs briefly opening, then quickly closing, in the space.

On Saturday, another entrepreneur will try to take advantage of the space when Static, which is being promoted as Pittsburgh's first European electronic nightclub, debuts.

"There's been a major void in the market for electronic nightlife across the city," says Chris Firman of Greentree, who will serve as the club's director of operations.

Static will distinguish itself from other dance clubs in the area via music. Firman notes that, within the electronic genre, there are varying styles. Static will feature the music that is found in European clubs, notably Dutch house and deep electronic.

"But we are going to be home to all different types of electronic music," Firman says. "During the week, you might see a dub step show. Fridays and Saturdays are mainly going to the Dutch tech and local house."

Firman plans to bring in DJs from around the world to perform at the club. Already booked for Oct. 7 is Morgan Page, a progressive house and electro house DJ from Los Angeles.

DJ Strobe, who previously was the resident DJ at the Firehouse Lounge in the Strip District, will take over the same duties at Static.

Betty Kang, owner of Plexi PR, a niche electronic music PR agency in New York City, thinks Static is opening at the right time.

"Dance music is ubiquitous in 2011, with radio crossover artists like David Guetta, Martin Solveig and Afrojack," Kang says. "The music is touching a whole new generation of electronic music fans, and we already know there is a healthy portion of Pittsburghers coming up to New York City for the Electric Zoo Festival over Labor Day weekend.

"They say if you build, they will come, so a new DJ-oriented club like Static will be able to satisfy fans year round," she says.

The capacity for Static will be 1,100. The venue boasts a 50,000-watt linear pressure bass-driven sound system and state-of-the-art lighting. Amenities include a VIP mezzanine that overlooks the dance floor and an outdoor patio that takes advantage of the two garage doors that form the front of the building.

"One of the big things is free parking for all customers," says Firman, who adds that the club's drinks will be priced moderately and that the cover charge will be between $5 and $10.

"We want to keep prices down," he says. "We want people to make this their home, a place that they can come weekly, not just spend a lot of money to come out to once a month."

Static will be open from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. There also will be a happy hour on Fridays from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The club will be open during the week for special events only.

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